The Future Of Voice Is Non-Binary

The best part though? Researchers Asmussen and Sherman, told Fast Company, “There is no price tag on Q.” All they ask is for the big tech firms Apple, Amazon, Google and Microsoft to collaborate with them because “Q is an example of what we hope the future holds; a future of ideas, inclusion, positions and diverse representation in technology.”

So what’s the appetite for voice-driven technology?

According to Voicebot.ai, 1 in 5 people (47.3 million) in the US alone have access to a ‘smart speaker.’ Furthermore, nearly 68% of them have not one… but two! And this mass adoption has come over the course of just 2 years really. Crazy right? Most users often have a soft feminine voice on their speakers. The only male alternative? Apple’s Siri that can be switched on in your settings.

With nearly 60% of smart speaker users being male, does this explain the tech industry’s infatuation with female voices taking the lead? Actually, no. Two studies have revealed that both men and women preferred female voices, and found to be ‘warmer’ and ‘understanding’ vs. the more authoritative male voice. So the argument of being ‘sexist’ is off the table.

BUT, Q does make a good point. The times have changed… so now it’s time for technology to catch up.